Although technically it can be used on any vehicle, the filing clearly shows that the system was installed on the Mustang.
Ford may have a point. All of us have seen Subarus or Volkswagens equipped with receiver-hitch carriers or bicycle-toting roof racks, even wagon models that could fit a bike in. Subaru has been a brand that promotes itself as an automaker for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, Volkswagen used to sell Trek-edition cars with mountain bikes and the means to transport them.
The rest of us cycling enthusiasts who want a smaller sports car/convertible have two options. Install a heavy receiver hitch on the car so it can tow a trailer. Or, worse, get one of those trunk-mounted strap down contraptions that invariably ruins the paint, despite all its promises.
Ford seems to have heard the cry for justice. It has filed a patent to protect a retractable bicycle carrier. The patent is simple but brilliant. The two rails are attached to the car’s rear fascia and have tie-downs that allow bicycles to be secured perpendicularly to it, much like a trunk mount or receiver-hitch carrier. The rails can be stored in the rear fascia when not in use.
Although no vehicle is mentioned, patent diagrams clearly show that the system was used on a Ford Mustang. Ford describes in the background section how the carrier system could still be used to access the trunk or cargo areas of a van, sport-utility vehicle or crossover vehicle. This means that the company envisages this system being accessible to a wide variety of cars. A retractable bicycle carrier would still be extremely useful for a small car like the Mustang.
Not surprisingly, a patent application does not guarantee that such an idea will be implemented on a production vehicle. We think Ford’s hideaway bike carrier idea is great. It serves a market that is not well served, provides an elegant solution, and seems easy to implement. We’re hopeful that this bicycle carrier will soon be available on Blue Oval models.